Georgia’s story

Georgia Finlayson sadly passed away aged 13. She stayed at Bluebell Wood with her family, surrounded by love and laughter. Her dad Harry has raised thousands of pounds for us since; in Georgia’s memory.

In December 2010, the lives of Georgia’s family changed forever when they were told she had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. The beautiful, friendly teenager was given only months to live.

Her dad Harry said: “It’s beyond imagination for any parent to be told this. Words can’t describe how we felt.”

Georgia was in and out of hospital for treatment and underwent six weeks of radiotherapy. However, this made her very sick and tired. The family took the very hard decision to stop treatment after three weeks.

“We wanted her to be well and enjoy the time she had left,” said Harry.

The family loved to travel to Scotland and decided to have one last family holiday together; traveling the length of Scotland. They stayed in nice hotels and visited the Cairngorm Mountains, Loch Ness and John O’Groats.

Harry said: “We all had a fantastic time, never saying no to anything she wanted – but that was nothing new.”

As Georgia’s illness progressed and she became unable to get around, the family were told about Bluebell Wood. Harry said: “After our first visit, we knew this was a place that we would much rather be than a hospital.

“Georgia would always ask if she could stay at Bluebell Wood. To us and our family and friends it was a place that we could relax, have fun and live as you would at home.

“Everyone from the Chief Executive to the cooks, cleaners and gardeners at Bluebell Wood were all exceptional, professional, kind and caring; we classed the hospice as one big happy family.

“Georgia brought us all so much happiness, fun and memories. Georgia was just like any other 13 year-old; full of mischief and always had you on your toes.”

Harry has pledged so much time and dedication to Bluebell Wood in the years since Georgia died, raised thousands in her memory. He has pledged to continue this amazing work for Bluebell Wood because the organisation helped him through the toughest times imaginable.

Tilly has hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, which means she didn’t get enough oxygen to her brain when she was born. Now she comes to Bluebell Wood with her mum, Rebecca, and her big brother, Gabriel, where she loves meeting new people and relaxing in the spa pool.

William is Paul and Michelle’s ‘miracle boy’. Before he was born he had a stroke and spent the first nine months of his life in hospital. Despite facing so many challenges, William has never stopped smiling, and he loves coming to Bluebell Wood.

Mia was a happy, bubbly nine-year-old who was always on the go. In August 2018 she was diagnosed with a rare condition where the body reacts aggressively to an infection, and she died eight days later. Her family spend valuable time together at Bluebell Wood after she passed away.

Four month old Lily died at Bluebell Wood in February 2017 after being born with a rare heart condition. Her mum and dad, Ella and Ryan, call the hospice their lifeline, and they still visit with their son, Oliver.

Chester and Rhianna were born at just 26 weeks old in 2009, and they spent their first year in hospital fighting for their lives. Chester has brain damage and Hirschsprung disease, which means he can’t pass poo normally, and now visits Bluebell Wood for short breaks. His mum and dad, Lisa and Ian, tell his story:

Charlotte Lee calls daughter Gracie her snow baby. Born in January 2009 following a healthy pregnancy, Gracie’s arrival was a few months after young Sheffield mum Charlotte had received the surprise but welcome news that she was expecting. However, over the next few years Gracie had some developmental issues, which led to a sad discovery.

Olivia is a bubbly, chatty teenager who loves singing, and all things Harry Potter. She lives in Sheffield with her mum and dad, Michelle and Russell, and her brothers, Harry and Finley, and loves spending time at Bluebell Wood.

You are the reason that children and families can create magical memories and make the most of their time together.
Your donations provide much needed funds to support our families, and to create memories that they will treasure forever.